Laundry machine



Dec. 8, 1959 w. R. RICKEL 2,915,388

LAUNDRY MACHINE Filed May 2, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet l 15-1-1 INVENTOR.

M/ILLIAM ,9. E/C'KEL ATTORNEYS Dec. 8, 1959 w. R. RICKEL 2,915,888

LAUNDRY MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 2, 1955 INVENTOR. WILL/AM E. B/C'KEL Dec. 8, 1959 I w. R. RICKEL 2,915,888

LAUNDRY MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 2, 1955 INVENTOR. IV/LLMM E. 49/641154 United States Patent LAUNDRY MACHINE William R. Rickel, Benton Harbor, Mich., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Whirlpool Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Application May 2, 1955, Serial No. 505,310 3 Claims. (Cl. 68-19) This invention relates generally to the art of cleaning textiles and similar materials and more specifically relates to an improved laundry machine and method whereby clothes may be subjected to the laundering steps of washing, rising, extracting and drying in one continuous operation and without the necessity of manual intervention during any intermediate portion of the laundering procedure.

Generally, the method of the present invention contemplates the laundering of a mass of textile materials such as clothes by impacting clothes wetted with a laundry liquid against a non-liquid surface to flex the clothes and force a substantial amount of the laundry liquid therefrom. The clothes are thereby enabled to take on a new supply of laundry liquid toreplace that displaced by impact and the action of the impact in forcing the water from the clothes flushes away the particles of dirt carried by the clothes. The clothes are thereafter impacted against an impact-resistant liquid-absorptive surface whereupon the blotting action which occurs between the clothes and the liquid-absorptive surface will extract liquid from the clothes by a conductive transfer of moisture.

During the washing portion of the laundry procedure of the present invention, the laundry liquid used to wet the clothes is collected, after it leaves the treatment zone in which the clothes are confined, in a pool below the level of the treatment zone. Liquid is continuously returned from the pool to supply the laundry liquid entering the treatment zone.

During rinsing, a stream of rinsing liquid is substituted for the laundry liquid. The rising liquid may either be collected for recirculation, or the pool below the level of the treatment zone may be drained and a fresh supply of rinsing liquid introduced into the treatment zone.

By ceasing the supply of either laundry liquid, or rinsing liquid to the treatment zone, continued impaction of the clothes against the liquid absorptive surface will result in an extraction of liquid from the clothes. The absorptivity of the liquid-absorptive surface may be considerably improved by physically removing liquid therefrom. For example, if the liquid-absorptive surface is provided by a belt or a similar web-like device, a suction head in close association with the liquid-absorptive surface can be advantageously employed to physically remove liquid therefrom, for purposes of improving the absorptivity thereof.

To effectively complete the laundering process, the clothes are completely dried in one continuous operation by flowing a stream of air into the treatment zone for conditioning contact with the clothes. If desired, the moisture-entraining capacity of the air is enhanced by some form of temperature-conditioning.

In one preferred structural apparatus for practicing the method referred to above, a generally horizontal rotatable drum is employed. The drum is particularly characterized by the provision of front and rear walls, held in spaced parallel relationship by rods and lifters,

2,915,888 Patented :Dec. '8, 1-959 or by a peripheral wall inthe form of a grill or grid, or by a peripheral wall of perforate sheet metal. Surrounding the periphery ofthe drum is a belt made of a Web-like liquid-absorbent material such'as a woven fabric. Substantial areas of the belt are exposed between the rods and lifters or in the open areas of the grill or grid for impingement thereagainst by the clothes contained within the drum.

A drive motor is provided for the drum to effect rotation thereof at sucha speed or'speeds as to manipulate the clothes for the purposes set forth.

The drive motor can also be advantageously used to drive pumping means used for :either circulating laundry liquid or rinsing liquid between the interior of the drum and a pool formed below the level of the drum or to draw suction upon a manifold juxtaposed immediately adjacent theliquid-absorptive surface for the purpose'of transferring liquid from the absorptive surface and to thereby improve the absorptivity thereof.

Since liquid-absorptive means are utilized to effect an extraction of liquid from the clothes, the present invention provides a machine capable of effecting a complete laundering process without the necessity of a high speed centrifugal extraction period. A rotatable drum having a liquid-absorptive belt around one wall thereof is rotated continuously in one direction at relatively low speeds for all of the steps of washing, rinsing, extracting and drying.

Furthermore, because the containing means of the laundry machine forming the subject matter of the present invention is located above the level of the pool of laundry liquid or rinsing liquid, the successive steps of the laundering process can be initiated immediately upon cessation of each preceding step, thereby reducing the length of the laundering cycle and substantially eliminating the need for waiting periods while washing or rinsing solution is being drained from the machine.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide an improved laundry method and apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a combination washer-extractor-drier in which washing, rinsing, extracting and drying operations can be carried out at relatively low rotational speeds.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for laundering textile materials which will minimize the amounts of washing fluid and detergent or soap used as well 'as the amount of rinsing fluid required to be used.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a laundry machine wherein washing, rinsing, extracting and drying steps may be commenced immediately upon completion of a preceding cycle without requiring draining or other time-consuming procedures.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a horizontal-type washer wherein power requirements are reduced and wherein the necessity of providing expensive and complieated balancing apparatus is eliminated.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a laundry machine wherein the time to wash, rinse and dry a load of textile materials is shortened by the amount of the time normally required to drain the machine at the end of a washing and/ or rinsing period.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry machine for washing clothes which eliminates the problem of excessive build-up of suds.

A still further object of the present inventionis to provide a method and apparatus for washing clothes wherein the washing operation begins almost immediately after introduction of water into the machine is commencedand as soon as recirculation of laundry liquid begins, therebysubstantially eliminating waiting periods for filling.

Many other features, advantages and additional objects of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the arft;uponjmaking referencefto the-detailed description which follows and the accompanying sheets i of drawings in which is illustrated at least one structural embodiment ofan apparatus incorporating the principles of the, present invention and capable of practicing the method herein disclosed.

paratus incorporating the principles of'the present invention;

, Figure 2 is a' side elevational view .with parts broken away and with parts shown in cross-section illustrating additional details of construction of the laundry machine 7 .W ,in Figure l; Us Figure 3 is a somewhat diagrammaticiplan"elevational view-of the laundry machine shown in Figures 1 and 2,

r the view of Figure 3 being reduced in size andillustrating the flow of air through'the machine; I r

Figure 4 is a rear elevational view with parts removed illustrating additional elements of construction of the machineof Figures 1 and 2; I I I a Figure 5 is a fragmentary view with parts broken away and with parts shown in cross-section illustrating details of a subassembly more particularly comprising the suc= tion head apparatus utilized in connection with the present invention;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view illustrating. additional details of construction of the suction head subassembly; Figure 7 is an'elevational view of the two-way valve provided in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and

Figure 8 is a side view of the valve shown in Figure, 7.

As shown on the drawings:

I Although the principles of the present inventionare of general utility in the laundering art, a particularly advantageous application thereof is made to a combination washer-extractor-drier apparatus wherein a batch of soiled flexible textile material such as clothesmay be 'wall 31 comprising a generally annular disk having its inner peripheral edge reversely turned to provide a rounded edge 32'for a centrally disposed front opening.

At the outermost extremities of the front wall 31 and the wall 27, there is provided a flange indicated at 33 and 34, respectively. Secured to the flanges 33 and 34 are rings 35 and 45. Walls 31 and 27 are maintained in a parallel and spaced relationship by rods 3636 secured as by welding to rings 35 and 45.

It will be appreciated that a peripheral wall in the form of a grill, grid or other, foraniinous material, preferably metal, may be secured to-the flanges and 34 in lieu of the rings and rods.

The periphery of the drum is further characterized by the provision of a plurality of circumferentially spaced upstanding radially inwardly extending ribs 37. The ribs 37 are approximately equally spaced circumferentially throughout the drum 26 and materially assist in elevating the mass of clothes contained within the drum 26 towards the upper portion of the treatment zone in which the drum 26 is located; 7

Theshaft support unit 29 includes a rotatable shaft 41 to which the'drum 26 is firmly connected for co-rotation by means of a fastening .nut 42. The shaft unit 29 is supported in a rear wall 43 of the casing 22. A supple!- mentary wall 44 is spaced from the rear wall 43 and cleansed in one continuous operation by a series of cycles 7 which include washing, rinsing, extracting and drying. The inventive principles herein disclosed may be embodied equally well either in a washing machine, per se, in dry cleaning apparatus, or in other subcombinations of the preferred embodiment herein shown by way of illustrative example only.

Referring first of all to Figures. 1, 2, 3 and 4, a structural embodiment is illustrated which incorporates the principles of the present invention to practice the methods hereinabove described. The apparatus comprises a combination washe -extractor-drier indicated generally at 20 comprising an outer shell 21 suitably finished to enhance the decorative appearance of the machine. Inside the shell 21 is a casing indicated generallyat 22' which is generallyrectangular in overall configuration but which is provided with a curved generally arcuately-shaped bottom wall-indicated at 23 and asump 24 is provided at the bottom portion thereof subjacent a large hollow space enclosedby. the casing 23 and whichshall becharac terized as a treatment zone in which the washing, rinsing. extracting andidr ing' operations are carried out.

In order .tomanipulate a mass of flexible textile ma-,

7 and the plate 2 8 'together serv together therewith serves to support the shaft unit 29 by means of a bearing housing unit 46. Suitable fastening means for effecting this connection are shown at 47.

The shaft 41 projects out of the rear end of the casing 22 and has a threaded end 48 on which is received a pulley wheel 49 held in firm assembly with the shaft 41 by means of a fastener indicated at 50.

The casing 22 has spaced away from the rear wall 43 afront wall 51 particularly characterized by a centrally disposed opening 52 lying in register with the drum opening prescribed by the turned over edge 32.

The front Wall 51 is rather closely spaced to the drum 26 and in order to prevent'c'lothes contained within the drum from becoming caught between the stationary front wall 51 and the rotatable front wall 31 of the drum 26, there is provided an annular brush 53 having a support ring 54 locked by a retainer 56 carried on the front wall 51 and including bristles 57 which project into the drum opening closely adjacent. the turned over edge .32. If the turned over edge32 moves. in a direction to bring the edgeinto contact with the adjacent portion of brush 53, theindividual bristles 57 of the brushwill be distorted'only as necessary to acc mrnodatewthe pressure exerted by the edge 32 asicontrasted to a one piece retainer'ring such as an annular rubber ring which would be deformed not only at the point' of contactwith the edge 32, but elsewhere. a

As is clearly shownin Figures 1, -2 and 3, the'frqnt wall 51. of'the casing 22 forms the inner side; of an irregularly-shaped air duct indicated'at 58, more. specifically comprising a duct wall 59 spaced outwardly of the front wall 51. V

The duct wall 59 isalso provided with a center openinglying in register with front wall opening 52 and the drum opening. A flange 59a surrounds the center open-' ing. At this locale, a flange 51a is formed in the front wall 51 and a flange 21a is formed in the'front wall of casing'2l. An annular rubber sealing gasket 60 embraces the flanges 21a, 59a and 51a and provides a sealinglip 61 to engage the side wall 62 of a door 63 glazed as at and controlling access to the interior of the drum 26- .through the opening 52. In accordance"wi th existing practice, the door is provided with the usual-hinges, handle and yieldablelatch means.

In order to charge the machine 20 with a supply of liquid and in order to supply a stream of rinsing liquid into the treatment zone, a fresh-water inlet is indicated at 68 attached to the duct wall 59. The fresh water inlet 68 is of the vacuum breaking type and includes a conduit adapted to be connected to a suitable source of water supply discharging as at 70 into a'funnel-like device -71 which has at its bottom portion a spout 72 projecting inwardly through the opening 52 to supply a stream of water into the drum 26.

It is contemplated, according to the present invention, that a very small amount of laundry liquid'be used compared to the requirements of machines heretofore provided since the present invention does not require that a level of laundry liquid be established such that the lower portion of the rotatable drum will be immersed in a pool of liquid to a depth that the clothes to be washed need be substantially wholly immersed therein and carried therethrough by the rotative action of the drum. Rather, the water charged into the machine is collected below the level of the treatment zone in the sump 24.

As is clearly shown in Figure 2, the sump 24 has an outlet 73 upon which a suction is taken by a pump 74 drawing through a conduit 76.

As shown in Figures 2, 7 and 8, the pump 74 has a two-way discharge controlled by an electric motor or solenoid-operated valve 77, one of the discharges being provided by a conduit 78 carrying liquid from the sump 24 to a discharge outlet 79, thereby to supply'a stream of laundry liquid into the treatment zone and to direct it into the interior of the drum 26 for conditioning contact with the clothes contained therein.

The laundry liquid discharged at the outlet 79 drains from the drum 26 and is collected in a pool below the level of the treatment Zone, thereupon the laundry liquid may be returned from the pool by the pump 74 through the conduit 78 and the outlet 79 to continuously supply the laundry liquid stream for conditioning contact with the clothes as they move past the stream and as the drum is rotated during the washing operation.

One of the advantages resulting from this invention is that the time required for filling and draining the machine does not add to the total time cycle since it can occur simultaneously with other functions. For example, if water and detergent are used as a cleansing agent, as soon as introduction of water into the machine begins, the liquid finds its way into the sump and recirculation of the liquid can begin. The washing portion of the cycle can be immediately initiated without waiting for the full charge of water to be added. As soon as liquid'reaches the sump recirculation begins, maximum effectiveness of the washing action is obtained.

Using the orientation of Figure 1, it will be appreciated that the drum 26 can be rotated counterclockwise, whereby the clothes contained in the drum 26 move through the stream of laundry liquid emanating from the discharge outlet 79. This insures saturation of the clothes with laundry liquid prior to impact thereof against the wall of the drum near the lowermost portion of the drum so that flexure of the fibers will occur in the presence of the laundry liquid and so that laundry liquid will be present to replace that flushed from the clothes during the force of their impact.

It will be appreciated that the lowermost portion of the wall of the drum 26 is considerably above the level of the pool in which the laundry liquid is collected. Moreover, it will be further appreciated that the sump outlet 73 permits the pump 74 to take a suction upon the lower portion of the pool in sump 24. This arrangement insures that any sudsing action will not interfere with any phase of the washing cycle since the suds will merely be harmlessly carried at the top of the pool but below the level of the rotating drum 26.

Referring specifically to Figures 7 and 8, it will be noted that the valve 77 comprises a housing portion 77a having formed therein two separate valve seats 77b and 77c which are circumferentially spaced relative to a common axis 77d, which axis forms the pivot axis of a shutter 772. The shutter 77e seats and closes the openings formed by the valve seat 77b and 770, selectively, upon actuation of a lever arm 77f. The openings formed by the valve seats communicate with two separate passageways formed in the valve body 77a and indicated respectively at 77g and 77h.

To etfect electrical actuation of the two-way valve 77, a flange 7 7i is formed on the body'portion 77a to which is attached an electrical actuating motor such as a solenoid indicated at 77 j.

The movable solenoid'plunger is indicated at 77k and is attached by means of a connecting bracket 771 and cotted pin 77m to a solenoid spring 7711, the other end of the-spring 7711 being connected as at 770 to the lever arm 77 The valve 77 is also provided with an actuating spring 77p which biases the shutter 77@ in one direction.

Upon'completion of the washing cycle, the valve 77 may be actuated by energizing the control motor or solenoid 77 j associated therewith whereupon the pump 74 will discharge laundry liquid collected in the sump 24 through a drain conduit'indicated on Figure 2 at 85.

Rinsing liquid is then supplied in the form of a stream discharged from the spout 72 and projected downwardly through the drum 26 for conditioning contact with the clothescontained therein. Since the clothes in the drum are not immersed in laundry liquid, introduction of rinsing liquid may be commenced before the laundry liquid is drained from the sump 24, or While it is being drained therefrom with a resultant time savings as contrasted with machines in which all or a major portion of the laundry liquid must be drained away before the rinsing operation can be started. If desired, the rinsing liquid may be recirculated by the pump 74 after the laundry liquid has been drained from the sump.

The present invention is particularly characterized by the provision of a liquid-absorptive surface on the periphery of the drum 26. Such a surface is conveniently provided by forming and providing a belt of a web-like material preferably taking the form of a woven fabric having suitable liquid-absorptive characteristics; by liquidabsorptive is meant any sorptive means, whether technically comprised of absorptive or adsorptive substance. A typical belt is indicated at and it will be noted that the belt comprises a continuous annular member which extends between the front and rear walls 31 and 27, com-- pletely encompassing the drum 26.

Since the belt 80 is juxtaposed immediately concentrically adjacent the periphery of the drum 26, substantial portions or areas of the belt 80 are exposed to the interior of the drum 26 through the open areas between the rods 36. These areas of the belt 88 are impinged upon by the mass of clothes tumbling vwithin the drum 26 and, depending upon the absorptivity of the belt 88, liquid will be transferred from the clothes to the belt.

To assist in maintaining the belt 80 in position on the drum 26, a plurality of confining rollers 81, as shown in Figures 1 and 6, may be provided toengage the edge portions of the belt 80.

Liquid is physically removed from the belt 80 to improve the absorptivity thereof according to the illustrative embodiment herein described by means of a suction manifold indicated generally at 82 and illustrated in detail in Figures 5 and 6.

Referring, therefore, to Figures 1 and 2 in conjunction with :Figures 5 and 6, it will be noted that the walls 43 and 51 are provided with bearing blocks 83 and 84 fastened inplace by suitable fastening means indicated at 85 and =journaling therein a pair of pivot pins 86, 86.to which 1 arm 88.

, quadrant relative to the as at 93 to a medial portion of coil springs 91 tensions the belt pipe 89. r

there is attached a fr ont pivot arm 87 and a rear pivot The bearing blocks 83 and 84 are located generally superjacefit the drum 2 6 with the pivot arms 87 and 88 depending towards the drum 26. Moreover, using the orientation of Figure 1, it'willbe noted that the entire suction manifold apparatus is located in the upper left rotational axis of the drum 26, which areais, under ordinary circumstances, not directly contacted by the tumbling clothes within the drum. 7 Extending between the pivot arn1 s'8 7 and 88 is a simtion pipe .89 having an elongate slot 90 formed therein establishing communication between-the peripheral surface of the suction pipe and the hollow interior thereof. As shown in Figure 1, the suction pipe 89 preferably underlies the belt 80. Continuous biasing means in the form of a coil spring 91 are extended between the casing 22 and the pivot arms 87 and 88. For example, the coil spring 91 has one end attached to the casing 22' as at 92 and the opposite end of the coil spring- 91 is attached a corresponding pivot arm 87 or 88. The continuous biasing force provided by;the 80 on the peripheral SUI? face of the drum 26 and also affords good engagement between the belt 80 and the suction pipe 89. As will be noted upon referring to Figure 6, the slot 90 formed in the suction pipe 89 is so positioned thatit will lie at the apex of the angle prescribed by the belt 80 as it passes over the suction pipe 89.

The pivot arms 87 indicated at 94. 7 1

In order to exhaust water or liquid from the suction pipe 89, the pivot arm 87' is provided with a manifold chamber 96 which is conveniently formed by wall'rneans 97 spaced outwardly of the pivot arm 87 and establishing communication between a pair of spaced openings 98 and 99 formed near the end of the pivot arm 87. 'It will be understood that the suction pipe 89 is assembled in one of the openings, for example, the opening 98 and is firmly fixed in place with a leakproof joint such as a;welded joint indicated at 100, thereby establishing good communication between the manifold chamber 86 and the interior of the hollow suction pipe 89 The opposite end of the suction pipe 89 is welded as at 1 01 toth'e pivot arm 88, thereby providing a closed end for the suction vAssembled to the pivot arm 87 at the other opening 99 is a nipple fitting 102. A welded joint 103 places the nipple joint 102 87 and a flexible conduit 104, such as a hose or the like is conveniently assembled on the nipple fitting 102 for the purpose of connecting the suction apparatus to a fluid exhausting means taking the form of a pump.

The conduit 104 is shown connected to a second twoway valve 75, similar to two-way valve 77 previously described, which in turn is connected to pump 74 which constitutes a means for applying a vacuum to the vacuum or manifold chamber 96 when the two-way valve 75 is open to hose 104, thus, in turn, applying a' vacuum to the side of the belt 80 which contacts thev clothes.

v a Since the pump 74 will create a partial vacuum in the air from the atmosphere will be drawn 80 and will carry with it liquid which clothes impinging suction pipe 89, through the belt has been transferred 'by contact from against the belt 80 through the slot 90 and into the suction pipe 89, through the chamber '96, theconduit 104, two-way valve 75 and to the pump 74' from whence the liquid will be discharged. 7

It will be appreciated that the placement of the suction pipe 89 on the underside of the belt 80 permits the apparatus not only to operate' as atensioning apparatus with respect to the belt 80 but also locates a liquid exhausing vacuum chamber,'namely the hollow suction pipe 89,? as'the'sanie side of'the'belt i80ias' that which contacts and 88 are retained in ,firni assem bly with the respective pivot pins 86 by means offasteners in firm assembly with the pivot arm the clothes inside ofthe'drum'26. This makes it unnecessary for the liquid, which conceivably might have soil particles therein, to pass completely through the belt and minimizes'the possibility pfthe belt retaining soil and transferring the soil to succeeding clothes loads.

R'eferring to fFigures 2.and 4, it will be noted that an electric motor -is=indicated at 106, A power take-off shaft; extends out of3opposite ends of the motor, 106, one being adapted to rotatably drive the pumping units 74 and 105 and the other being adapted to drive a pulley system most clearly illustrated in Figures 2 and 4.

First of all, a drive pulley 107 is rotated by the electric motor 106. Spaced away from the motor 106 is an idler pulley 108 having a shaft 109 carried by a bracket 110 pivoted as at lll' to a frame support 112 carried by the casing 22. a 7

The idler pulley108 elfects a speed reduction by the provision of a smaller diameter belt run 113 receiving a pulley belt 114 engaged with the pulley wheel 49 connected to; the shaft 41 in driving relationship with the drum 26. The pulley belt 116 is trained over the pulley wheel 108 and the pulley wheel 107, thereby completing the drive connection between the electric motor 106 and the drum 26.

-Under normal operations, the drum 26 is rotated continuously in one direction, thereby tending to elevate and drop the clothes.

In order to supply a stream of air into the treatment zone,- additional structure is provided which can be noted upon making particular reference to Figures 1; 2, 3 and 4. There is attached to the back wall 43 of the casing 22 a duct116. A bottom flange 117 terminates outwardly of the rear wall 43, thereby leaving a bottom opening indicated at 118 Figure 2). w

As shown in Figure 2, extending'upwardly from the opening 118 is a battle 119 generally angularly disposed to provide a front passage 120 and a rear passage 121 extending vertically through the duct 116V 1 v r Electrical heating coils 122 of a heater unit are indicated at 123, are carried by the baffle 119 andthe duct 116 and are located in the rear passage 121. TlIe bafile 119 is imperforate and forms a shield forwardly of the heating coils 122 to perchance find its way from the opening 124, described the heating coils 122.

At the top of the duct 116 but extending below the level of the baflle 119, the rear wall 43 is provided with a quadrant-shaped opening 124 having a plurality of generally vertically I extending louvers 126 (Figure .1 and Figure4). a

In the front wall 51 on the opposite side of the treatment zone, there is provided a plurality of louve'red openings 127 which establish; communication between the duct 58 and the treatment zone in which the drum 26 is rotated. 1 I Reference to Figure l in conjunctionzwith Figure 2 will indicate that the louvered openings 127 are generally a series of circumferentially spaced arcuate slots extending through approximately 180? around the center. open; ing 52 and the front wall 51 of the casing 22. Moreover, the louvered openings 127 arelocated radially/inwardly of the bristles 57 of the brush 53 so that the flow of air between the duct 58 and the treatment Zone willlbe. princi; pally through the drum 26.. V YI. Y I Referring now specifically'to Figure 3; itwill be noted that the front wall 51 has an opening128 formed therein inregister with a rearwardly extending. duct 129 which, in turn, terminates at a blower 130 havingr-aidischarge duct indicated at 131. The discharge duct 131 atop opening 132 'which may be utilized or, if desired,-a side opening herein shown tivelyusedp i of} A flow of air is induced through the treatment'zoneby operating the blower 130 to' establish a low pressu v,

prevent suds or water that might the treatment zone through hereinafter, from contacting P u g d s 133 ma -be.a r fl the passage provided bytheduct 129 whereupon air will be drawn upwardly through the opening 118 into the duct 116. The air will move upwardly-through the duct 116, its flow-being divided by the partition 119 so that a portion of the air passes through. the outer passage L121 past the heating coils 122 andthe-balance of the air passes through the inner passage 120 over the partition 119 which is heated by the coils 122. The air drawn upwardly through both passages willmix at the top of the partition 119 and will be drawn through the opening 124 for conditioning contact with the clothes contained within the drum 26.

Having been temperature-conditioned, the air drawn into the drum will exhibit improved moisture-entraining properties and will entrain moisture in the mass of clothes tumbled within the drum 26 before passing from the drum and through the louvered openings 127 into the duct 58 and thence through the opening 128, the duct 129 and out the pump discharge 131.

The blower 130 may be conveniently driven by the same electric motor 106 as drives the drum 26. To effect that end, the shaft of the motor 106 is provided with an additonal driving pulley 134 engaging a pulley belt 136 looped through the groove of a pulley wheel 137 connected for corotation with the shaft 138 of the blower impeller (not shown).

An idler pulley 139 is shown rotatably connected to the casing 22 to control the tension of the pulley belt 136.

Although the blower 130 might be so connected as to be operated only during the drying cycle of the cleansing operation, this particular form of the invention shows an arrangement wherein the blower operates constantly. Accordingly, to prevent flow of air through the drum except as such flow may be desired, a valve indicated at 141 is provided for selectively opening and closing the opening 128. As is shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3, the duct wall 59 has a spherical indentation 142 generally complementary in shape to the valve 141, the valve being formed as a valve plate of a large enough size to close the opening 128 when seated therein. An actuating rod 143 is connected to the valve plate 141 and extends through the duct wall 59. Motor operatedrneans, such as a solenoid, can be incorporated in the control system of the laundry machine to open and close the valve 141 as desired.

The sump 24 may be equipped with a sump heater comprising an immersion-type heating coil 144, whereby the liquid collected in the pool below the level of the treatment zone may have thermal energy transferred thereto. As has been pointed out above only a small amount of laundry liquid-is required to carry out a washing cycle. and thus permits use of cold water directly from the domestic supply, if desired, the heating coil 144 serv ing to heat the water to a temperaturebest suited for washing the fabrics and maintaining the water at an optimum temperature, all with a minimum ofpower consumption.

The structure hereinabove described adequately develops the 'steps of the novel process of the present in vention. The Qflllfl'l26 perrnitsa mass of clothes contained within thedrum to be acted upon to accumulate potential energy by elfectinga change in the physical position of the masswhereuponthe mass is released and subjected ,to gravitational accelerationto convert thepotential energy f he massiut ins i ene The kinetic energy may then be advantageously used to flex the mass of clothes by abruptly checking the gravitational acceleration of the mass against an impact-resistance surface. Preferably, a stream of conditioning fluid is directed against the mass prior to impact fiexure so that the fibers of the textile materials will be flexed while saturated with a laundry liquid or a cleansing agent, the impact of the mass against the impact surface serving to force a portion of the water, contained in the clothes, therefrom with a resulting flushing action, thereby conditioning the clothes in) to take on a new supply'of laundry liquid displaced by the impact.

The elevating action on the mass of clothes is improved by the use of the fins or baflies37 which physically lift the clothes from a lower position to the upper position in the drum.

Ideally, it is contemplated that the mass of clothes, or successive masses of clothes in asingle batch, will leave the wall of the drum near the uppermost portion thereof and will fall generally downwardly towards the lowermost portion of the drum, whereupon the free fall of theclothes will be checked to abruptly change the gravitational acceleration thereof by impact against the belt near the lowermost portion. In other words, if a circle were drawn at the point with its center on the axis of the drum 26 and in a plane perpendicular to that axis, the point of impact would preferably lie in the third quadrant of the circle-between 2. portion corresponding to and the bottom of the circle at 270, or, in terms of clock teminology, between 6:00 oclock and 9:00 oclock.

During rinsing, the drum is preferably operated in the same manner as during the washing cycle so that the mass of clothes will be successively elevated to the uppermost portion of the drum and will be gravitationally accelerated towards the lowermost portion of the drum where the impact of the clothes against the belt causes maximum flexure and forces the water carried by the clothes out of the clothes to provide a tflushing action and to condition the clothes to pick up clean rinse water for repetition of the cycle, thereby resulting in a highly efiicient and thorough rinsing.

During the drying cycle, the drum is rotated in the same manner as during the washing and rinsing cycles and the tumbling action efiected by the successive'elevation of the clothes towards the uppermost portion of the drum and the subsequent gravitational acceleration of the clothes towards the lowermost portion of the drum effects a fluffing action and opens the clothes, which minimizes wrinkle formation and otherwise enhances the drying function.

The intermediate step of extraction is also carried on with the drum rotating in the same manner as during the washing and rinsing cycles. The tumbling action effects an impingement of the wet clothes against the liquidabsorptive belt 80, whereafter the liquid is physically removed from the belt to maintain the absorptivity thereof. Moreover, since the present invention contemplates placement of the physical liquid-removing means on the same side of the belt as that which contacts the clothes, it is unnecessary'for any soil-laden water to pass completely through the belt, and soil retention by thebelt is thereby minimized. If desired, temperature conditioned air maybe introduced at anytime during the washing, rinsing and/or extraction cycles.

Those versed in-the art will appreciate that all of the structural elements herein described can be effectively actuated and operated by means of a single control system which will insure successive initiation of the various cycles in .a fully automatic manner.

Byway of summarization, atypical laundering sequence will be described.

First of all, a quantity of soiled textile materials are placed'within the interior of the drum 26 through the openingcontrolled by the door 63. Electrical controls fortheregulation ofwater temperature, and for control of the washing and drying cycles are preset in advance so that no further manual intervention will be required.

The washing cycle is initiated by the introduction of a charge of water from the fresh water inlet 68. The water enters the conduit "69 through an electrically-operated thermostatically-controlled mixing valve (not shown) of a type well known to those versed in the art. A float switch 200 (Figure 4) is provided and so connected in the control circuit as to shut oif the supply of water through the mixing valve when the level of the tance and thereafter fall subject to I through an appreciable distance.

. thereof, clothes will be abruptly checked by impact against the the discharge outlet 79,

24 .by manual or, automatic means, either while water is'being supplied or after the desired level has been reached. The motor 106 is then energized to rotate the drum 26 in one direction.

The clothes are elevated against the forces of gravity through an appreciabledisthe forces of gravity Since the drum 26 confines the movement of the clothes during the elevating and than the falling motion the gravitational acceleration of the falling belt 180. During the washing cycle, the pump 74 will supply a continuous stream of laundry liquid through thereby saturating the clothes and insuring flexure of the textile fibers in the presence of an adequate supply of laundry liquid and resupply of laundry liquid to the clothes to replace that flushed from the clothes by their impact against the surface of the lower portion of the drum. The liquid leaving the drum is collected in a pool below the level of the treatment .zone and laundry liquid from the pool is returned by the pump 74 to supply a continuous stream of laundry liquid into the drum during the washing portion of the cycle.

After the clothes have been washed in this manner,

the laundry liquid is removed in an extraction cycle initiated by causing the pump l05 to exhaust the suction pipe 89 of liquid and to provide a partial vacuum which will facilitate passage of air from the atmosphere through the belt carrying waterinto the suction tube for discharge outwardly of the machine. The tumbling of the clothes against the liquid absorptive belt will physically remove a substantial portion of the liquid from the clothes by conductive absorption. 7 1 Following extraction of the laundry liquid, rinsing liquid is projected over the tumbling clothes, thereby rinsing away the laundry liquid and further contributing to the cleansing of the clothes. Rinsing liquid is introduced through the fresh water inlet 68, introduction of the rinsing liquid being commenced, if desired, before the laundry liquid in sump 24 is drained away. After the laundry liquid has been drained away, rinsing liquid can be collected in sump 24 for recirculation over the tumbling clothes to provide additional rinsing. An additional extraction cycle is utilized to remove rinsing liquid in the same manner as described above.

Either during or after the extracting cycle, a'stream of air is supplied through the treatment zone by opening the valve 141 to permit air to be drawn through the drum 26 in conditioning contact with the tumbling clothes. It will be understood that during the drying operation the drum is rotated at the same speed as it is rotated during the washing, rinsing and extracting cycles. If it is desired to enhance the water-entraining properties of the air, the heating unit 123 is energized.

Having passed through the various stages of the laundering operation successively, the completely cleaned and dried clothes are now ready for removal from the machine.

' Although various minor modifications might be suggested by those versed in the art, it should be understood that I wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all such modifications as reasonably '12 and properly coine Within the scope of my contribution tothe art. I .i I claim as my invention: I

.1. In a laundry machine for subjecting clothes to successive washing and drying operations, a generally horizontal drum, a belt surrounding said drum and forming a peripheral wall for the drum to confine clothes within the drum during washing and drying operations, and tensioning and water-removal means comprising a suction pipe underlying the belt to contact the surface of the belt impinged upon by the clothes, said tensioningand waterremoval means further including pivot arms at opposite ends of said suction pipe, means for exhausting water and air from said suction pipe, and biasing means en- :gaging saidpivot arms to bias said suction pipe in one direction for tensioning the belt and maintaining a good contact between the belt and the suction pipe for removal of liquid from the belt.

2. In a laundry machine as defined in claim 1, said drum being rotated such that the clothes are elevated until near the uppermost portion of the drum, the uppermost portion of the drum on the side opposite the top of the drum being free of clothes by virtue of the falling action of the clothes to provide an unobstructed belt portion, and said suction pipe engaging said belt on the side thereof contacted by the clothes and at said unobstructed portion to physically remove water therefrom.

' 3. A laundry machine for washing and drying fabrics, comprising a rotatable container having a wall formed by a liquid sorptive belt, drive means rotating said container at a continuously constant speed about a generally horizontal axis at a tumbling speedto cyclically elevate and drop said fabrics, conduit means forming a laundry liquid circuit for said machine in which laundry liquid is collected below the level of saidcontainer and including a pump to keep the drum substantially free of excess liquid, thereby to flex said fabrics against the liquid sorptive belt by impact during both the washing and drying operations, said conduit means including a nozzle refceivinglaundry liquid discharged by said pump and said nozzle applying a continuous stream of cleaning fluid through the interior of said container into said fabrics prior to their impact with said liquid sorptive belt so that the flexure of said fabrics from said impact displaces absorbed laundry liquid from said fabrics in a flushing action, a suction pipe underlying said belt and engaging the inside surface of said belt contacted by said fabrics, means connected to said suction pipe applying a pressure dilferential across said liquid sorptive belt during the drying operation to withdraw liquid from the liquid sorptive belt, thereby improving the sorptivity thereof, pivot means including arms at opposite ends of said suction pipe, and spring means operatively connected to said arms and spring biasing said arms to tension the belt and maintain good contact at said suction pipe.

' References Cited the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

